Chrysanthemum plant named Cream Impala

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Cream Impala, particularly characterized by its flat capitulum form; single daisy capitulum type; cream ray floret color; diameter across the face of the capitulum of 45-75 mm; excellent growth habit, and its yellow-green to yellow disc florets.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofChrysanthemum, botanically known as Chrysanthemum morifolium, andreferred to by the cultivar name Cream Impala.

Cream Impala is a spontaneous mutation of Impala, disclosed in a pendingapplication of applicant. The new cultivar was discovered by applicantin a cultivated bed of plants of the parent cultivar Impala in De Lier,Holland in 1984. The new cultivar was recognized by its cream ray floretcolor, as compared to the light pink ray florets of Impala.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Cream Impala was accomplishedwhen vegetative cuttings were taken after discovery of the mutation in acontrolled environment in De Lier, The Netherlands by a technicianworking under formulations established and supervised by Jacques C. M.Van der Knaap. Horticultural examination of selected units hasdemonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosedfor Pink Impala are firmly fixed and are retained through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

Cream Impala has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in De Lier, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions whichapproximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Cream Impala, which in combinationdistinguish this Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Flat capitulum form.

2. Single, daisy capitulum type.

3. Cream ray floret color.

4. Diameter across the face of the capitulum is 45-75 mm.

5. Yellow-green (immature) to yellow (mature) disc florets.

6. Excellent vigor and growth habit.

In comparison to Impala, Cream Impala has a better growth habit, creamray florets, and a somewhat larger flower. The flower type, capitulumform, and disc floret color of Pink Impala are similar to those samecharacteristics of Cream Impala.

Cream Impala is also similar in many respects except flower color to thecultivars Apricot Impala, Pink Impala, Salmon Impala, and Golden Impala,all of which are mutations of Impala and disclosed in pendingapplications of applicant.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows in side view typicalinflorescence and foliage characteristics of Cream Impala, with colorsbeing as true as possible with illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determinedbetween 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in August under natural daylight at DeLier, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., cv. Cream Impala.

Commercial.--Cut daisy spray.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Daisy.

Diameter across face.--45-75 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Cream.

Color (upper surface).--R.H.S. 159D.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--Yellow.

Color (immature).--Yellow-green.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present in disc florets; numerous.

Gynoecium.--Present in both disc and ray florets; numerous.

PLANT

A. General appearance:

Height.--90 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--R.H.S. 147A.

Shape.--Long lobed and deeply serrated.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named Cream Impala,as described and illustrated, and parts thereof.